Israeli President Isaac Herzog has officially tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming the next government, marking a pivotal moment in efforts to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot, a former military chief, has 28 days to negotiate a coalition and present a viable government, with Herzog able to extend the deadline by two weeks if needed.
The move comes after recent elections in a deeply divided country, where Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist government remains in place despite widespread opposition. Herzog’s decision follows recommendations from parties representing 67 of the 120 seats in the Knesset, which endorsed Eisenkot as a potential leader. Netanyahu, who has held power for over 15 years, faces mounting pressure to step down, though his political influence persists.
Eisenkot has expressed openness to Netanyahu joining the next government, though forming a coalition remains a complex challenge. The political landscape remains tense, with the country still recovering from the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and the ongoing wars they triggered. The negotiations will test the ability of Israeli leaders to unite amid deep ideological and political divisions.
